Her Space was nearly full, and Xu Ruyi had already turned seventeen.
Originally, she planned to wait until she was eighteen for her family to come retrieve her, but plans could never keep up with changes.
The eldest daughter of the Wang family, Wang Jing Shu, was getting married, and Master Wang decided to take this opportunity to relocate the entire family to the capital.
Madam Wang did not intend to bring so many people along, so she made it known that those willing to seek Redemption could do so together this time.
Instead of immediately approaching Madam Wang, Xu Ruyi went directly to see the young lady.
Wang Jing Shu looked at Xu Ruyi kneeling on the ground, feeling quite reluctant. After all, such a capable Servant Girl was hard to come by. “Are you truly decided? Must you leave?”
Xu Ruyi replied firmly, “Yes, this servant wishes to reunite with her family. I beg the young lady to grant me this.”
“Ruyi! You’ve grown up with me. Life in the countryside is hard—staying in the mansion, you at least have food and drink. Returning to the countryside means endless suffering. If you truly miss your family, I can allow you to go back and reunite with them for a few days. Think it over carefully.” Wang Jing Shu tried to persuade her once more.
Xu Ruyi was somewhat surprised, yet not entirely. The original host had been quite favored by both Madam Wang and the young lady. Although she had been wronged and met an untimely end, her diligence and earnestness in living were still admirable.
Moreover, since Xu Ruyi arrived here, she had not shown any dissatisfaction. Instead, she studied even harder, using her current knowledge and emotional intelligence to thrive effortlessly within the mansion.
But this was not a long-term solution. After all, who would choose to remain a slave when they could live as a commoner?
What’s more, Xu Ruyi noticed that her current appearance was becoming increasingly similar to her previous life. At sixteen or seventeen, she was gradually blossoming, and it was clear she was growing into a beauty.
Xu Ruyi kowtowed deeply and spoke with determination, “This servant is grateful for the young lady’s affection. However, I was sold at seven to save my father and have been away for over ten years. I wish to return home and reunite with my family. I beg the young lady to grant me this. I will never forget your great kindness.”
Wang Jing Shu sighed. “Very well, since your mind is made up, I won’t force you to stay. But you’ve served me all these years with utmost dedication. I will speak to Mother and have her return your contract to you.”
Xu Ruyi kowtowed gratefully. “Thank you, young lady. Your great kindness, this servant will never forget. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will surely repay you.”
Wang Jing Shu stood and helped her up. “Rise, there’s no need for such formal words. I only hope that after you leave, you will find peace and prosperity, and live well with your family.”
Afterward, Xu Ruyi went to see Madam Wang.
Madam Wang was straightforward. For her daughter’s sake, she returned the contract to Xu Ruyi and even gave her several bolts of fabric and one hundred taels of silver.
The silver came from the young lady. After all, having served her for so long, such a small sum meant little to her, but it didn’t hurt to show goodwill and win hearts!!
The moment she received the contract, Xu Ruyi’s eyes welled up with tears. She was finally free.
Xu Ruyi performed a deep bow. “This servant thanks Madam and the young lady for your generosity. I wish Master and Madam Wang health and prosperity, and the young lady a harmonious and happy marriage.”
Returning to her room, Xiao Cui, seeing her enter, tearfully asked, “Sister Ruyi, are you really leaving?”
Xu Ruyi took a handkerchief to wipe her tears. “Such a grown girl, yet still so easily moved to tears. The mistress and young lady have already agreed, and they’ve given me my deed of indenture. I just need to pack my things and I can leave. Xiao Cui! You must take good care of yourself from now on. If you get the chance, try to live as an ordinary commoner!”
Xiao Cui nodded emphatically. “Sister Ruyi, I understand. I have no family left, and I’m still young, so I don’t plan to leave this time. Sister Ruyi, you must take good care of yourself in the future, and don’t forget about me.”
“Alright, I’ll take good care of myself, and I won’t forget our Xiao Cui either. I’ve given you my home address. If you ever have nowhere to go, come find me. I’ll introduce you to a steady man so you can live a proper life.” Looking at Xiao Cui, whose tear-streaked face resembled a little calico cat, Xu Ruyi genuinely cared for her.
When she had first transmigrated here, it was this girl who had taken care of her. Over these past two years, they had looked after each other and gotten along very well. She truly regarded Xiao Cui as a younger sister.
Hearing this, Xiao Cui’s cheeks flushed crimson. “Sister Ruyi, you’re so mean! You’re about to leave and still tease me like this. But don’t go back on your word, Sister Ruyi. When the time comes, I’ll come find you…”
After their conversation, Xu Ruyi simply packed her belongings, bid farewell to Wang Jing Shu and other acquaintances, and set out on the journey home, her heart filled with anticipation for the pastoral life that awaited her reunion with family.